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NBC 7 spoke exclusively with embattled Mayor Bob Filner Sunday when he made a surprise appearance and the 2013 San Diego LGBT Pride celebration.

NBC 7’s news cameras caught Filner walking through the Pride festival as he shook hands with attendees and posed for a few photos with local supporters.

Filner Makes Surprise Appearance at SD Pride

Embattled Mayor Bob Filner made a surprise appearance at the 2013 San Diego LGBT Pride celebration on Sunday. NBC 7 shot an exclusive interview with Filner, in his first appearance since being accused of sexually assaulting numerous women. (Published Sunday, July 14, 2013)

However, on Sunday, Filner took everyone by surprise by making an appearance at Pride.

"Numerous" Women Harassed by Mayor: Attorney

Attorney Marco Gonzalez said he has clients who have been sexually harassed by Mayor Bob Filner at a news conference Thursday. (Published Thursday, July 11, 2013)

In an exclusive interview with NBC 7, Filner said he was glad to be at the celebration surrounded by those who still support him.

“Everybody’s saying they support me. They’re saying, ‘You’ve been great on our issues; we need you to stay,’” Filner told NBC 7.

As the mayor walked and talked, many locals ran up to shake his hand. Some gave Filner words of encouragement, like one man who told Filner he had voted for him.

“Mr. Mayor, I voted for you,” said the man as he approached Filner. “And, I will vote for you again.”
Filner stuck to talking about San Diego Pride, and the importance of this year’s local LGBT celebration.

“I’m really proud to see that our notion of equality and democracy has grown so much,” said Filner.
Despite his public appearance, the mayor remains under fire.

“My objective is to develop an army, a legion of supporters, before I move forward. It’s important for people to understand that a premature or an improper recall is the worst thing that could happen. If a recall were to fail, then he becomes empowered,” Pallamary told NBC 7.

Meanwhile, San Diego residents had their own opinions when asked about Filner on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s a wake-up call. He really needs to be alerted about all of the things that are bothering people. And I think the sexual harassment, there’s no definitive proof, but he really ought to shape up,” said local Lily Chu.